His Housewife Had Secret Identities novel Chapter 869

Jonathan turned to look at Joker, his eyes filled with conflict. That mixture of reluctance, resentment, and the powerlessness of having to obey his rules sent a perverse thrill through Joker. Though his own face was pale and drawn, his smile was radiant. Finally, he heard Jonathan's answer. "Fine..." The word escaped Jonathan's lips, heavy with resignation. Joker couldn't help but let out a triumphant laugh.

But just then, he heard Jonathan add, "I can play your game... but I need to know. What is the history between us? Why do you have it out for me so badly?" Joker wasn't surprised by the question. "I'll tell you as we play," he said, holding up the revolver. He first showed the empty chambers to the lieutenants from The Vipers' Nest, the Black Snakes, and the River Wraiths, then showed them to Jonathan. Just as he was about to load the single bullet into the cylinder, Jonathan interrupted. "Wait."

"Having second thoughts?" A mocking expression appeared on Joker's face. It would only be natural for Jonathan to back out. After all, he barely knew Lana. The most vicious part of this game Joker had designed was that there was no good choice. If Jonathan chose Niamh, he would be sacrificing Lana. Niamh would live, but she would carry the weight of Lana's death for the rest of her life. And just as she'd said, she would hate Jonathan forever. Jonathan would live in misery.

On the other hand, if Jonathan agreed to play, Niamh's death was almost certain. He wouldn't let her survive. Jonathan would personally kill the love of his life. For Jonathan, this game was a lose-lose situation; there was no possibility of winning. And Joker... he couldn't wait to watch Jonathan break down, to see him collapse in agony. Though their eyes met for only a moment, Jonathan could clearly read what Joker was thinking.

"I'm not backing out..." Jonathan shook his head, his expression far calmer than Joker had expected. "Since this is a game of life and death, and it's the life of the only woman I love on the line, I have to be extremely careful..." Jonathan's voice was firm. The phrase "the only woman I love" sent a wave of warmth through Niamh, chasing the chill from her fingertips. Jonathan held out his hand toward Joker, his gaze sharp. "I want to inspect the gun."

Joker's eyelids lifted slightly as he smiled. "You trust me that little, huh?" "It would be strange if I did trust you, wouldn't it?" "Fair point." Joker handed the revolver and the single bullet to Jonathan. Jonathan took the gun and began to inspect it meticulously. All eyes were on him—Joker, Niamh, Lana, and the three gang lieutenants. They watched as Jonathan, with clean, efficient movements, loaded the single bullet into the revolver and then aimed it directly at Joker.

Joker froze for a second, but there was no fear in his eyes. Instead, he started to laugh. "You don't actually think you can shoot me now and just walk out of here with Niamh and Lana, do you?" Jonathan remained silent. Joker smiled and continued, "In the Golden Casino, the rules are everything... Anyone who breaks the rules becomes prey for the three syndicates. So, I don't have the power to break the rules... and neither do you." The moment Joker's words faded, Jonathan pulled the trigger.